Don’s Story

Site created on November 8, 2021

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Donald F. Sears

1929-2021

Self-Authored Obituary

 

Donald F. Sears (Jr.), born 7/5/1929 in Williamsport, PA died Saturday evening 11/13/2021 near his home in Raymore, MO.  Survived by his wife, Janet W. Sears and 5 children; Christopher (Nashville, TN), Andrew (Betsy) (Overland Park, KS), Kathryn Roberts (Mike) (Lake Lotawana, MO), Rebecca Drumheller (Jay) (Danville, PA), and William (Angie)(Frisco, TX); 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 step-children, 9 step-grandchildren, and 7 step great-grandchildren.  His first wife, Joan Waters Sears, his parents, and his sister died previously. 

Don was educated in public schools, Haverford College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Menninger Foundation.  He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1954 in PA, served as USN chaplain with USMC air units, with Japanese young men and women ministering with G.I.’s in Japan, then with Presbyterian Churches in Rossville and Delia, KS as well as Blue Springs and Grandview, MO.  Johnson County Sr. Nutrition Program employed Don over 10 years.  Volunteering at American Stroke Foundation and Heartland Presbyterian Center were enduring joys.  Collegial ministry in the local Heartland Presbytery led to appreciation for stimulating friendships.  A relative warned him not to be a “man of measured merriment”. 

Plans for his memorial service are forthcoming.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed for Heartland Presbyterian Center at webpage: https://www.heartlandcenter.org/donate/

Newest Update

Journal entry by Andy Sears

Thank  you to those of you who have called or emailed, requesting information about where one might make a charitable donation in honor of Don.  Memorial donations are welcomed for the Heartland Presbyterian Center at webpage: https://www.heartlandcenter.org/donate/

 

Here is the obituary that ran in the Kansas City Star and will be included in the bulletin for Don's memorial service:

Donald F. Sears

Donald F. Sears (Jr.), born July 5, 1929 in Williamsport, PA, died November 13, 2021, near his home in Raymore, MO. Survived by his wife, Janet W. Sears and five children; Chris (Nashville, TN), Andy (Betsy) (Overland Park, KS), Katy Roberts (Mike) (Lake Lotawana, MO), Becky Drumheller (Jay) (Danville, PA), and Will (Angie) (Frisco, TX); 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 step-children, 9 step-grandchildren, and 7 step great-grandchildren. His first wife, Joan Waters Sears, his parents, and his sister died previously. Don was educated in public schools in Williamsport, Haverford College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Menninger Foundation. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1954 in PA, served as USN chaplain with USMC air units, with Japanese young men and women ministering with G.I.s in Japan, then with Presbyterian Churches in Rossville and Delia, KS, as well as Blue Springs and Grandview, MO. Following retirement from daily ministry, Don enjoyed a part-time job for over 10 years with the Johnson County Meals On Wheels Program. Volunteering at American Stroke Foundation and Heartland Presbyterian Center were enduring joys. Collegial ministry in the local Heartland Presbytery led to appreciation for stimulating friendships. A relative warned him not to be a "man of measured merriment." Memorial donations are welcomed for the Heartland Presbyterian Center at webpage: https://www.heartlandcenter.org/donate/

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